Greetings from Sister Spafford 2014
Dear Family and Friends, Christmas 2014
The Christmas Season is so wonderful especially as we renew our associations with those we love. How wonderful it is to know that we are children of God and that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. It is a time to rejoice in His birth, in His life and His Atoning Sacrifice.
This past year has held some special memories and also a time of trying to adjust to life without Sterling by my side. Susan and Dale (Buxton) spent Thanksgiving with me last year and lived with me until the end of March of 2014. It was a delightful time for me.
Extra visits from chidlren and grandchildren are so appreciated. David and Susan and their family stopped by in the Spring. Susan and Jen and great grandchildren came for Mother’s Day, my birthday in July and UEA in October. Derek, Liz and Norah stayed over night in July. My sister, Arline and Roy dropped in for a few days and the neighbors and friends who live close by are trying to keep my spirits high.
It is always fun to hear about my grandchildren and their lives. Families were on the move this past year. JD and Kallie Buxton moved to Oregon where she’ll attend Acupuncture School for four years. Jen and Clive Hallam moved from Afton, Wyoming to Oakley, Utah where Clive accepted a counseling position at The Oakley School. Great news is that Sam Spafford is engaged to Carly Cook with a June 2015 wedding date. Mitchell Robinson passed the Bar in Colorado after graduating from BYU Law School. Jake Spafford graduated from BYU. Family makes life worth the living.
I truly miss Sterling and it seems this year has been even harder than last year. The times we spent together have come to mind so often and I am trying to be better adjusted without him. I’m sending just a Christmas letter with an attached little picture to let you know I love living in Washington, Utah and hearing from friends and family from time to time. May you have a blessed Christmas Season and a successful New Year.
Much love,
Mom ~ Grandma ~ Marilyn Spafford
Merry Christmas 2013 from Sister Spafford
December 2013
As we approach this holiday season, I send greetings of peace and happiness. You’ll notice Sterling’s absence this year on our annual Christmas card. After some challenging health issues he passed away on May 15th. Susan and David were most attentive, helped with arrangements and gave excellent tributes to their father at his funeral. It was nice to have my only sister, Arline and her daughter, Amy come from California. You’ll also notice the photo of all the grandchildren who attended.
Love,
Marilyn Spafford Mom and Grandma
President Spafford's obituary
July 19, 1931 ~ May 15, 2013
St. George, Utah-Reed Sterling Spafford passed peacefully May 15, 2013 in St. George, Utah, following a decline in health over the past year. Through it all, and typical of his entire life, he persevered with a positive mental attitude.
He was born in Pocatello, Idaho on July 19, 1931 to Reed Spafford and Samantha Leona Reynolds. He attended schools in Salt Lake City, graduating from South High School (1948) and taking his Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the University of Utah (1956). He married Marilyn Fowles in the Salt Lake Temple on December 28, 1953.
He will be fondly remembered for his service to church, community and family. A life long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, he served in multiple callings. He served a proselyting mission in the Great Lakes Mission (1951-1953). He served in bishoprics, on the High Council and in the Stake Presidency of the Monument Park Stake (1974-1984). He was a gifted teacher and speaker. He served as Mission President over the Canada Calgary Mission (1985-1988). He served his country in the United States Army Counter Intelligence Corps (1953-1955). He served in Rotary International as President of the South Salt Lake Club (1982-1983), District Governor for Utah District 5420 (1996-1997), Foundation Chairman (1997- 1998) and District Advisory Committee (1997-2005), and is a Paul Harris Fellow and was at the time of his death a member in good standing of the St. George Club. He extended his service as a Member of the Board of Trustees of the Deseret Foundation, IHC Health Plans, Dixie Regional Medical Center Foundation, and as a Member of the National Advisory Council of Dixie State College.
He brought great enthusiasm to his career, and "Spaff" will be particularly remembered and respected for his organizational skills and work ethic by colleagues and dear friends at UARCO Business Forms, Galbraith & Green, Inc. and RJ Salisbury & Associates.
In every act of service, in every successful pursuit, and in every moment at home, Sterling relied upon his sweetheart of 59 years, Marilyn. They two were one in so many endeavors, each knowing the role and acting the part. When the Spafford's presided in Canada Calgary, the missionaries enjoyed their service and respected and revered Sterling, but they loved Marilyn! Many times, Sterling Spafford was the brand, but Marilyn created the ingredients. Together, they created family memories including trips to Moab, National Parks, Colter Bay and Laguna Beach. He loved to organize family trips and cruises. She went along and helped him make them great.
His testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ was strong. His knowledge and application of Church doctrine was evident in the way he lived. His teaching and example lead so many in his family and those touched by his ministry to follow the path of righteousness.
He is survived by his wife, Marilyn, children Susan (Dale) Buxton, Oakley, Utah, David (Susan) Spafford, Salt Lake City, Utah, son in law Hal Whitney, Parker, Colorado, daughter in law Kathy Spafford, Draper, Utah, sister Marianne (Bud) McDonald, Bountiful, Utah, and brother Lynn (Marilyn) Spafford, St. George, Utah. He counted in his posterity 14 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by children Michael Sterling Spafford, Joni Spafford Whitney and Paul Weldon Spafford, parents, and brother, Stan Spafford.
In St. George, Utah, Friends may call Sunday, May 19, 2013 from 6:30-8pm at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 W St. George Blvd. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 22, 2013, at the Monument Park Stake Center, 1320 S. Wasatch Drive in Salt Lake City. Friends may call Tuesday evening from 6:30-8 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Lawn Mortuary, 2350 E 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT and 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Monument Park Stake Center prior to the service. Interment, Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E 10600 S, Sandy, Utah.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Utah Autism Foundation.
Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary.
St. George, Utah-Reed Sterling Spafford passed peacefully May 15, 2013 in St. George, Utah, following a decline in health over the past year. Through it all, and typical of his entire life, he persevered with a positive mental attitude.
He was born in Pocatello, Idaho on July 19, 1931 to Reed Spafford and Samantha Leona Reynolds. He attended schools in Salt Lake City, graduating from South High School (1948) and taking his Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the University of Utah (1956). He married Marilyn Fowles in the Salt Lake Temple on December 28, 1953.
He will be fondly remembered for his service to church, community and family. A life long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, he served in multiple callings. He served a proselyting mission in the Great Lakes Mission (1951-1953). He served in bishoprics, on the High Council and in the Stake Presidency of the Monument Park Stake (1974-1984). He was a gifted teacher and speaker. He served as Mission President over the Canada Calgary Mission (1985-1988). He served his country in the United States Army Counter Intelligence Corps (1953-1955). He served in Rotary International as President of the South Salt Lake Club (1982-1983), District Governor for Utah District 5420 (1996-1997), Foundation Chairman (1997- 1998) and District Advisory Committee (1997-2005), and is a Paul Harris Fellow and was at the time of his death a member in good standing of the St. George Club. He extended his service as a Member of the Board of Trustees of the Deseret Foundation, IHC Health Plans, Dixie Regional Medical Center Foundation, and as a Member of the National Advisory Council of Dixie State College.
He brought great enthusiasm to his career, and "Spaff" will be particularly remembered and respected for his organizational skills and work ethic by colleagues and dear friends at UARCO Business Forms, Galbraith & Green, Inc. and RJ Salisbury & Associates.
In every act of service, in every successful pursuit, and in every moment at home, Sterling relied upon his sweetheart of 59 years, Marilyn. They two were one in so many endeavors, each knowing the role and acting the part. When the Spafford's presided in Canada Calgary, the missionaries enjoyed their service and respected and revered Sterling, but they loved Marilyn! Many times, Sterling Spafford was the brand, but Marilyn created the ingredients. Together, they created family memories including trips to Moab, National Parks, Colter Bay and Laguna Beach. He loved to organize family trips and cruises. She went along and helped him make them great.
His testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ was strong. His knowledge and application of Church doctrine was evident in the way he lived. His teaching and example lead so many in his family and those touched by his ministry to follow the path of righteousness.
He is survived by his wife, Marilyn, children Susan (Dale) Buxton, Oakley, Utah, David (Susan) Spafford, Salt Lake City, Utah, son in law Hal Whitney, Parker, Colorado, daughter in law Kathy Spafford, Draper, Utah, sister Marianne (Bud) McDonald, Bountiful, Utah, and brother Lynn (Marilyn) Spafford, St. George, Utah. He counted in his posterity 14 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by children Michael Sterling Spafford, Joni Spafford Whitney and Paul Weldon Spafford, parents, and brother, Stan Spafford.
In St. George, Utah, Friends may call Sunday, May 19, 2013 from 6:30-8pm at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 W St. George Blvd. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 22, 2013, at the Monument Park Stake Center, 1320 S. Wasatch Drive in Salt Lake City. Friends may call Tuesday evening from 6:30-8 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Lawn Mortuary, 2350 E 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT and 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Monument Park Stake Center prior to the service. Interment, Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E 10600 S, Sandy, Utah.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Utah Autism Foundation.
Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary.
Christmas 2012
It’s a fact: Christmas is our favorite time of the year. We love a cozy fireplace, traditional Christmas decorations, carols playing in the background, trays full of goodies, remembering wonderful friends and loved ones and celebrating the birth of our Savior.
Earlier this year we spent several months at our Palm Springs condominium. We’ve owned our own place since 2000 and enjoyed being there during winter months. When we arrived in February we decided it was time to sell our condo. Miracle of miracles, our place sold quickly and we spent a good portion of March packing up our personal belongings. Our daughter, Susan, was visiting at the time and drove us back home. She ultimately took care of the coordination of the sale and move which was finalized exactly 12 years from the date of purchase on July 19, 2012.
Our first picture shows us having a delightful meal at Spencer’s in Palm Springs. You enjoy the experience in an outdoor setting with birds were singing, palm trees swaying and it’s a very romantic setting. We will miss some of these experiences, but feel the timing was right for the sale and are happy with our decision.
Our second photo is taken at our Southern Utah home where we feel we are in heaven. "Why would anyone ever want to leave here?" This is where we’re staying even in cooler weather.
While we were in Palm Springs and for two or three months after we returned, Sterling complained a bit of a painful stomach ache. We finally got him to a doctor and because of an alarmingly high white blood count he was immediately hospitalized. He was diagnosed with diverticulitis. A colonoscopy revealed an abscess and a perforation on his colon. He was treated with antibiotics and then had a series of coming home, then going back to the hospital, then residing in an Acute Rehabilitation Center, where he had a terrible reaction to an antibiotic. Back to the hospital, and then more time in another rehabilitation center. He was so thrilled to finally come home in June after six weeks of problems.
We had a pretty good July and August, but in September Sterling fell. Paramedics took him to the hospital where it was discovered he had an Urinary Tract Infection. He spent some time in a local rehabilitation center.
Our family has been blessed with a new great granddaughter in Colorado at the end of June, grandchildren purchasing and furnishing new homes, a celebration in Greece/Italy for a 10 year wedding anniversary of our oldest granddaughter, and a great grandchild starting Kindergarten. Our two children are very involved and we love hearing about their travels and other momentous occasions. It is life at its finest and we feel privileged to live it. We pray 2013 will be a great year for you. May you be blessed with good health, and all of the needful things in life. We send our love as always.
Merry Christmas - December 2011
December 2011
As we come to the end of the road in 2011 we are truly amazed at the blessings we enjoy. This 1995 Jaguar still only has 19,000 miles on it, but Sterling treats it like a toy and we decided to feature it on our Christmas card this year as he turned 80 and still likes to take it for a spin once in awhile. We put a lot of mileage on our regular car throughout this year. We drove to Palm Springs in February where we enjoyed some warmer winter temperatures. Our daughter, Susan and Dale Buxton added air mileage to come and join us for two weeks.
In March we drove to Salt Lake to witness the convert baptism of our grandson, Adam Spafford, age 24. For Mother’s Day, Susan and Dale spontaneously flew to St. George and we enjoyed their company. It is good to report that Dale has shown some small signs of improvement in his health this year. In June we welcomed Jake Spafford, our missionary grandson, home, who served faithfully in Korea. In July miles were driven to Laguna Beach, California where we both experienced birthdays and family gatherings. Sterling turned 80 (that seems like a lot of miles) on July 19th and the family who could make it, celebrated at the Peking Dragon in Dana Point, California, for Chinese food and then back to our condo for some gifts and tributes. Thanks to many of you who contributed to the Surprise 80th Birthday Book. It is a treasure to have these words and thoughts on paper.
Susan flew to Laguna Beach and drove us back to our home in Washington, Utah, the first week in September. Another road trip to SLC was taken when we welcomed Sam Spafford, another missionary grandson, home from the California Los Angeles Spanish Speaking Mission. A great event occurred in September when a group of old Galbraith and Green professionals gathered in St. George for a reunion. Many traveled from miles around and we enjoyed great dinners and catching up.
We have watched our children and grandchildren put mileage on vehicles and airplanes this year. Brent Caldwell joined the army and graduated from boot camp in South Carolina. Brent, Nichole, Carter and Abby moved to Arizona and on August 11th our great grandson, Max T. Caldwell was born. Our grandson, JD and his wife, Kallie, were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. She graduated from nursing school in March and they flew to Thailand for a belated honeymoon. Jen Hallam, our granddaughter and her family moved from Thayne to Afton in Wyoming. Our son, David Spafford, uses the airlines almost as much as he uses his car. Serving as bishop of a single’s ward he has been diligent about returning from wherever he is to be with those youth on Sundays. He and Susan took their family to Israel, Egypt and Jerusalem in October. Our Colorado Grandchildren, Shae, Derek and Liz have enjoyed travels to Laguna Beach. Mitchell graduated from BYU and entered Law School in the fall.
It truly is amazing that we have this much mileage on our bodies but we seem to be enduring the aging process with some ability; always wishing for more agility, but grateful for the positive aspects of this life. No trips to the hospital or rehab this year. Yea!! We never dreamed we’d be this old!
We hope your day’s travels are meaningful and may you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We are grateful for the true meaning of Christmas in our lives and friendships with you through the years we’ve traveled together in this journey called life.
Love,
President and Sister Spafford
Happy 80th - July 19, 2011
President Spafford turns 80 years old today! Surrounded by family members, we celebrated at a chinese restaurant in Dana Point, California. We are staying for the week in Laguna Beach and are enjoying some great time making memories. We have compiled a book of birthday wishes, tributes and memories with President Spafford. If you want to still add to the book, email your thoughts to me, their daughter, Susan Buxton (Spade@allwest.net) I'll slip it in his book. Thanks to those who wrote something already. It is a treasure to him.P.S. Sister Spafford turns 78 on the 23rd. Coincidence they are born within a few days of each other two years apart!
Christmas Wishes - 2010
Christmas 2010
We all love this special holiday season every year that inspires us to have kind feelings for our fellow man and to hope for peace and joy.
We are counting our blessings this year as we’ve had no hospital stays - we’ve been known to say that we are thrilled for a seemingly boring year. YEA for boring!!!! My knee has behaved well and become fairly strong again. I am walking with no pain in that leg and that is terrific news for me. On the other hand, Sterling decided to scare us when the painful sore on top of his head revealed Squamous Cell Carcinoma. The doctor removed a small section the first time, but needed to remove a larger section the second time to get all of the cancer. We were both relieved when the tests came back that the second skin graft was cancer free.
Our picture shows us at our lovely condo in Palm Springs. We enjoyed February and March there this year. It’s a beautiful place where we see spectacular flowers, palm trees and lots of sunny days. We found numerous restaurants awaiting our visits who happily took our money but left us extra poundage.
The thrill of the year came with the birth of a beautiful great granddaughter, Ellie May Hallam, on May 18th (our Susan is the Grandma!!). Further excitement came in June when three of our grandchildren (Shae Whitney, Adam and Tynette Spafford) graduated from college. And in July our grandson, Derek Whitney, from Denver got married. Our son, David and his wife, Susan, arranged for Sterling and me to fly from Laguna Beach with them to attend the wedding. David was called to be the Bishop of a student ward in our church. He will be very busy for a few years. We are very proud of him and his wonderful family. We also love having two grandsons (Jake and Sam Spafford) still serving in the mission field. Yes, we finally made it to Laguna Beach after three years’ absence. Can you believe we were actually cold at the beach this year? Temperatures in July were below average and the sun only came out a few days. August made up for it, however, and the sun was our companion once again, and we warmed up a bit. Back home to St. George on September 1st found us really warming up, temperature-wise. The weather in Utah was above average and we were hot.
Christmas is just around the corner, where it is time to remember our Savior and His precious gift of eternal life that He gave to us. May we strive to be worthy of His blessings as we enjoy this special season and send best wishes for the New Year.
Mom and Dad
Marilyn and Sterling Grandma and Grandpa
Mother's Day 2010
A very happy Mother's Day to all. This was taken today in Washington, Utah. Here are the Spafford's outside the church. Christmas wishes 2009
As we make preparations to celebrate the "Most Wonderful Time of the Year" we remember the Most Important Reason of the Year. We celebrate the birth of our Savior, which was the beginning of such an extraordinary life. His life has been the benchmark of all that is exemplary in our lives. How we love Him!
This past year has shown us that we can love life and enjoy each other even though we spent most of our year pretty close to home. We spent February and March in our Palm Springs condo, where we had special friends and family visit us.
In April I had cataract surgery on both eyes, which was no big deal, but found out you do have to follow instructions for total success (and I did and it was!!)
We planned to meet our total "Spafford Family "in Laguna Beach in July for our bi-yearly time of fun and frolic in the sand. But, two days before Sterling and I were to leave, I was taken to the hospital in St. George with another bout with infection in my right knee. It was decided I needed to be in Salt Lake under the care of the physicians who previously replaced my knee.
In Salt Lake, the knee was cleaned out from a serious infection and the spacer removed, followed by a couple of days with an open incision. Then a new spacer was inserted and I began the recuperation process at St. Mark’s Hospital. I struggled through rehab and after ten days we were able to come back to Washington (my joy!!!) Sterling became my nurse as he administered the antibiotics via IV for five weeks - twice per day.
While we were in Salt Lake, our children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were basking in the sun and frolicking in the waves of Laguna Beach. It was a reunion, of sorts, with the Spaffords, but without us. They had a great time and said they missed us. When we think of how close our timing was (the "knee experience" occurring just two days before we would have been in Laguna Beach), we were counting our lucky stars we were still in Utah. I’ve had a long recuperation period. It has been tough, but once again, Sterling has been my great care giver and supporter. I am one very fortunate woman.
We had a grandson graduate from high school, a grandson’s wife graduate from college, and two of our grandsons left for missions this year - one to Seoul, Korea, and one to Los Angeles, California - Spanish Speaking, so our buttons of pride are popping off the chest. Another grandson became engaged - always something exciting going on in our family.
We are mindful of many of you who are struggling with ill health, and our wish is for complete recovery and restoration of good health. May the joy of the season lessen the pain and may we all remember the wonderful legacy given to us with the birth of this very important Son of our Heavenly Father. May 2010 be full of happiness and joy.
Mom and Dad ~ Grandma and Grandpa
Marilyn and Sterling Spafford
This past year has shown us that we can love life and enjoy each other even though we spent most of our year pretty close to home. We spent February and March in our Palm Springs condo, where we had special friends and family visit us.
In April I had cataract surgery on both eyes, which was no big deal, but found out you do have to follow instructions for total success (and I did and it was!!)
We planned to meet our total "Spafford Family "in Laguna Beach in July for our bi-yearly time of fun and frolic in the sand. But, two days before Sterling and I were to leave, I was taken to the hospital in St. George with another bout with infection in my right knee. It was decided I needed to be in Salt Lake under the care of the physicians who previously replaced my knee.
In Salt Lake, the knee was cleaned out from a serious infection and the spacer removed, followed by a couple of days with an open incision. Then a new spacer was inserted and I began the recuperation process at St. Mark’s Hospital. I struggled through rehab and after ten days we were able to come back to Washington (my joy!!!) Sterling became my nurse as he administered the antibiotics via IV for five weeks - twice per day.
While we were in Salt Lake, our children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were basking in the sun and frolicking in the waves of Laguna Beach. It was a reunion, of sorts, with the Spaffords, but without us. They had a great time and said they missed us. When we think of how close our timing was (the "knee experience" occurring just two days before we would have been in Laguna Beach), we were counting our lucky stars we were still in Utah. I’ve had a long recuperation period. It has been tough, but once again, Sterling has been my great care giver and supporter. I am one very fortunate woman.
We had a grandson graduate from high school, a grandson’s wife graduate from college, and two of our grandsons left for missions this year - one to Seoul, Korea, and one to Los Angeles, California - Spanish Speaking, so our buttons of pride are popping off the chest. Another grandson became engaged - always something exciting going on in our family.
We are mindful of many of you who are struggling with ill health, and our wish is for complete recovery and restoration of good health. May the joy of the season lessen the pain and may we all remember the wonderful legacy given to us with the birth of this very important Son of our Heavenly Father. May 2010 be full of happiness and joy.
Mom and Dad ~ Grandma and Grandpa
Marilyn and Sterling Spafford
For anyone checking
For anyone checking in on this blog, Sterling and Marilyn Spafford have had a crazy July. Sister Spafford awakened on the 4th of July and could not stand on that right knee (replaced for the third time on July 25th last year-2008). To the ER in St. George on the 5th, she went by ambulance and after tests were done, infection was found, she was ambulanced to St. Mark's Hospital in SLC on Friday night. Susan flew down to St. George and drove President Spafford to SLC where they both spent until Monday, July 27th at the Hospital (a night or two in ICU, a few nights on the orthopedic floor and the remaining days on the Rehab floor. More details are on our daughter's blog. (http://susanbuxton.blogspot.com) But antibiotics are being administered til the end of August, and we're all hopeful the knee will be responsive.
President and Sister Spafford supporting each other always 
President Spafford's darling sister, Marianne came to do Sister Spafford's hair. What a beautiful act of service.
Celebrated birthdays (July 19th and 23rd) in the Hospital!
Sister and President Spafford with RS President
President and Sister Spafford supporting each other alwaysPresident Spafford's darling sister, Marianne came to do Sister Spafford's hair. What a beautiful act of service.
Celebrated birthdays (July 19th and 23rd) in the Hospital!
Sister and President Spafford with RS PresidentNew Mission President
July 1, 2009 Alan Archibald (with wife, Pamela)
called to serve as President in the Canada Calgary Mission
Alan Lee Archibald, 57, and Pamela Jo Banning Archibald, four children, Bloomington 6th Ward, Bloomington Utah Stake. President Archibald is president of the St. George Utah College 1st Stake and is a former bishop and counselor, high councilor, counselor in a stake Young Men presidency, gospel doctrine teacher and missionary in the Oregon Mission. Retired automobile franchise owner. Born in Brigham City, Utah, to Clain and Carma Archibald. Sister Archibald is a ward Relief Society teacher and a former ward Relief Society president, counselor in ward Young Women and Primary presidencies and Cub Scout leader. Born in Los Angeles, California, to James Willis and Ruth May Banning.
Alan Lee Archibald, 57, and Pamela Jo Banning Archibald, four children, Bloomington 6th Ward, Bloomington Utah Stake. President Archibald is president of the St. George Utah College 1st Stake and is a former bishop and counselor, high councilor, counselor in a stake Young Men presidency, gospel doctrine teacher and missionary in the Oregon Mission. Retired automobile franchise owner. Born in Brigham City, Utah, to Clain and Carma Archibald. Sister Archibald is a ward Relief Society teacher and a former ward Relief Society president, counselor in ward Young Women and Primary presidencies and Cub Scout leader. Born in Los Angeles, California, to James Willis and Ruth May Banning.Lynn Porter update
On 1/30/09, our 16 year old daughter Hannah (oldest child), was diagnosed with Lymphoma cancer. She will undergo 2-yrs of chemo therapy treatments. To help keep you better informed of Hannah's treatment and progress, please visit http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/hannahporter CarringBridge website that we created for Hannah.
We try to keep this current and you are welcome to share your comments and feelings with us.
Thank you so very much for all your love, prayers, concern and service that has been granted in our behalf.
Sincerely,
Lynn & Karen Porter family
We try to keep this current and you are welcome to share your comments and feelings with us.
Thank you so very much for all your love, prayers, concern and service that has been granted in our behalf.
Sincerely,
Lynn & Karen Porter family
Elder Riley
I am attaching a photo from the summer of 08. It was taken in Yellowstone. Our son Spencer just received his mission call. He has been called to the Lansing Michigan Mission and enters the MTC on May 13th. One of my greatest desires is that Spencer can establish a relationship with his mission president like I did. What a blessing in my life!
The Horlacher family of Layton sings in cabin at This Is the Place Heritage Park as part of the annual Candlelight Christmas celebration
Christmas past: Family of 11 re-creates pioneer holidayBy Nicole Warburton
Deseret News
Published: December 15, 2008
After a stormy day, the night was still.
Fresh snow clung to the tips of tree branches and blanketed the rooftops in white. Just a few people were outside, working to clear the walkways leading to the historic homes at This Is the Place Heritage Park.
They were preparing for visitors to the park's annual "Candlelight Christmas," which runs until Dec. 23 this year. The park's historic homes are open, and the public can participate in holiday activities and learn about pioneer life.
Suddenly, a group of young voices broke the silence. The Horlacher family, all dressed in pioneer clothing, arrived en masse at the old Gardiner cabin, with older siblings taking charge of their exuberant younger siblings.
"Should we start a fire?" one sister asked."Someone close the door — we're freezing," another sibling said.
It's a study of organized chaos. The Horlachers are a family of 11 from Layton, with children ranging from ages 16 to three months. They are volunteering a few nights this holiday season to re-create pioneer life inside the old Gardiner cabin, which is 13 feet by 22 feet and was home during the 1800s to a family of 12 living in the Salt Lake Valley.
"It gives you a perspective of what it was really like here," father Zann Horlacher said. "Our family is close to the size of the family here."About two weeks ago, they settled in for a three-hour shift at the cabin, which has no electricity. Younger children were bundled up in blankets and coats while sisters Olivia, 16, and Raychel, 14, took turns watching the family's baby, William, 3 months.
Zann Horlacher helped start a fire, while his wife, Teena Horlacher, managed to give an interview while keeping an eye on Adam, 2, and Caroline, 4, who were seated near some candles on the table. "I love for my kids to be able to see the pioneer way of life," said Teena Horlacher, who has volunteered at This Is the Place for eight years. "Our home is like 15 times the size of this."
During the evening, they cooked an authentic dinner with sausage, potatoes and carrots. A few weeks ago, the kids made paper chains to decorate the cabin, which is one room filled with a small bed, fireplace and table. There is also a small loft where the Gardiner boys once slept.
The Horlacher children said they love being at This is the Place because they can play and be with family. Home can often be busy, Raychel Horlacher said.
"This brings us together as a family," she said.
Holly Curtis, volunteer coordinator for This Is the Place, said she would encourage people to attend "Candlelight Christmas" because of its emphasis on family and heritage. It runs every night but Sunday, and various families such as the Horlachers will re-create pioneer life throughout the park.
"This is a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of what modern-day Christmas has become," Curtis said.
If you go:What: "Candlelight Christmas" at This Is the Place Heritage Park
Where: 2601 E. Sunnyside Avenue
When: Monday through Thursday, 6-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 6-10 p.m. Ends Dec. 23
Cost: $8 for adults. $6 for children (ages 3-11) and seniors (55 and older)
Web: www.thisistheplace.org
E-mail: nwarburton@desnews.com
Photos taken by Tom Smart
Where: 2601 E. Sunnyside Avenue
When: Monday through Thursday, 6-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 6-10 p.m. Ends Dec. 23
Cost: $8 for adults. $6 for children (ages 3-11) and seniors (55 and older)
Web: www.thisistheplace.org
E-mail: nwarburton@desnews.com
Photos taken by Tom Smart
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